A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace

Episode: Season 4, Week 10, Day 3: Annotating Matthew 3:16-17
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host: The Daily Grace Co. (Beth and Alexa)

Introduction

In the Season 4 episode of A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace, hosts Beth and Alexa guide listeners through a profound exploration of Matthew 3:16-17. This episode, titled "Annotating Matthew 3:16-17," delves into the significance of Jesus' baptism and the divine affirmation of His identity. Aimed at those following the "Christ in All of Scripture" study, the episode bridges Old and New Testament narratives to highlight the centrality of Christ throughout the Bible.

Main Discussion

1. Contextual Overview

Beth opens the session by introducing the day's focus on Matthew 3:16-17, a pivotal passage that captures Jesus' baptism and the ensuing divine proclamation:

"When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, whom I am well pleased.'"
— Beth [00:36]

2. Annotation Insights

Alexa delves into the annotation process, highlighting the significance of underlining God's spoken words in the passage:

"I underlined, 'This is my beloved Son, whom I am well pleased.' And there's a prompt that asks, what does this tell us about Jesus's identity and his actions."
— Alexa [01:07]

3. Jesus' Divine Identity

Alexa explains the capitalization of "Son" in Matthew 3:17, contrasting it with the lowercase usage in Exodus 4:22-23. This distinction underscores Jesus' divine nature:

"By calling Jesus his Son, God is confirming that Jesus isn't just a mere man, he's also God in the flesh."
— Alexa [01:30]

She references John 10:30 to emphasize the unity between Jesus and the Father:

"Jesus says in John 10:30, 'I and the Father are one.'"
— Alexa [01:30]

4. Father's Affirmation and Jesus' Obedience

Beth reflects on the clarity of God's proclamation in the passage, noting that it explicitly reveals Jesus' identity:

"God himself is looking at Jesus and telling us exactly who he is."
— Beth [02:05]

Alexa expands on the implications of God's declaration, linking Jesus' obedience to His identity as God's beloved Son:

"Jesus is acting like an obedient son... so is God pleased because Jesus is being obedient to him."
— Alexa [02:28]

They discuss how Jesus' unwavering obedience throughout the Gospel reinforces His divine mission and relationship with the Father.

5. Old Testament Connections

Beth expresses excitement about further exploring the connection between this New Testament event and Old Testament scriptures, particularly Exodus 4:22-23. This connection illustrates the Bible's cohesive narrative pointing to Christ.

"The Exodus passage pointed us towards the character of the Father, but this passage really shows us the character of the Son."
— Beth [03:13]

Insights and Conclusions

The episode underscores the intricate tapestry of the Bible, where Old Testament promises and New Testament fulfillments converge in the person of Jesus Christ. By meticulously annotating Matthew 3:16-17, Beth and Alexa reveal how Jesus' baptism is not merely a ritual but a divine affirmation of His identity and mission. This analysis encourages listeners to recognize and cherish the portrayal of Jesus as central to both testaments, fostering a deeper love and understanding of Him.

Resources and Further Study

Beth and Alexa encourage listeners to engage with additional resources to enhance their study of Scripture:

• Study Materials: Journals, studies, and other resources available at thedailygraceco.com.
• Previous Seasons:
  • Season 1: Story of Redemption
  • Season 2: Eden To Eternity: The Chronological Story of Scripture
  • Season 3: Behold: A Study of the New Testament

Listeners are invited to follow the Daily Grace Podcast and @thedailygraceco on Instagram for more Bible study tools and encouragement.

"We're looking forward to studying God's Word with you again tomorrow."
— Alexa [03:33]

Conclusion

A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace Season 4, Week 10, Day 3 offers a rich and insightful exploration of Matthew 3:16-17, highlighting the divine identity and obedient nature of Jesus Christ. Through thoughtful annotation and scriptural connections, Beth and Alexa provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of Christ's central role in the biblical narrative, encouraging ongoing engagement and study.